When

October 3 - 4, 2025

Where

One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg,
PA 17055

HOMECOMING & Family Weekend 2025 / what's going on

Welcome, we’ve been waiting for you!

Whether you’re a current student, parent, recent alum, Golden Grad, or honorary member of the Messiah University family, we’re excited to welcome you back for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2025—a time to reconnect, reminisce, and renew your bond with Messiah.

On Friday, October 3, we’re thrilled to honor our Golden Grads, with a special celebration for the Class of 1975 at the Golden Grad Luncheon. Then on Saturday, October 4, we’ll celebrate the milestone reunions of the Classes of ’85, ’95, ’00, ’05, ’15, and ’25 during our signature Reunion Row event.

This year, we’re also introducing a lineup of brand-new events designed to bring alumni and families together in fun and meaningful ways. From casual connections to memory-making moments with your student, there’s something for everyone.  Explore the New Events and see what’s in store!

Register

Add an official Homecoming t-shirt to your registration for just $10. Reserve your size now!

Early birds who register by September 13th will be entered into a drawing to receive Messiah gear, gift cards and more!

*Early registration helps us to ensure we are ready for your visit. There is no cost to register, but a few activities involve a registration fee. These items, along with a specific cost, will be listed on the registration page. All those who register by Sept. 13th will be placed in our early bird prize drawing. Don’t miss out, register today!

Click to register

Homecoming Pro-Tip

We’re expecting a big flock of Falcons this Homecoming, so parking might be a bit tight!
• Overflow lots are available at Grantham Church and along Greenbriar Road — just a quick walk to campus fun.
• Arriving early is your best bet, and a little extra “parking grace” will go a long way!
• Bonus points for carpooling — fewer cars, fewer headaches.

Thanks for helping us keep things flowing and festive all weekend long!

Event Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

History of Murray Library Exhibit Open House 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Murray Library
  • Description: Murray Library’s iconic book stacks have remained unchanged since 1977, but the library has seen many updates since it was built in 1957. Reminisce with friends about your favorite places to study as you view a history of Murray Library; available Friday, October 3–Monday, October 6 during regular library hours.
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Glass Gallery Exhibition 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Glass Gallery, Climenhaga Building Description: Emily Fussner & Hand Papermaking - A Collaborative Installation
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Aughinbaugh Art Gallery Exhibition 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Aughinbaugh Art Gallery, Climenhaga Building Description: Metanoia*: Stephen Althouse Metanoia def.: a profound, possibly spiritual transformation
9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Class of 1975 50th Reunion 🎓

  • Location: Hostetter Chapel
  • Description: Join us for a time of mixing and mingling with fellow Golden Grad alumni to reminisce about your Messiah College experience. Reconnect and rekindle friendships with fellow milestone classmates. 
  • Registration Required
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Golden Grad Luncheon – All Other Golden Grads 🎓

  • Location: Martin Dining Commons
  • Description: We welcome our treasured Golden Grads back to campus for an afternoon of connection and reflection at our annual celebration luncheon. During this time, we will congratulate members of the Class of 1975 on their 50th milestone as they join you in Golden Grad status!
  • Registration Required 
  • Cost - $20/person although complimentary for Class of 1975 grads and their guest.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Archives Open House 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Location: Murray: Archives

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Admissions Fall Friday Open House Alumni Reception 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️


  • Location: Sawyer Gym
  • Description: All Golden Grad alumni and their guests are cordially invited to attend the Admission Office's alumni reception during Friday’s undergraduate Open House. This is a wonderful opportunity to mix & mingle with prospective students and share your Messiah memories!
  • Registration suggested through messiah.edu/openhouse 
4:30 p.m.

Aughinbaugh Gallery – Visiting Artist Reception: Stephen Althouse 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Location: Climenhaga Building Upper Lobby Glass Gallery

4:30pm-5:30pm

Glass Gallery Exhibition Reception 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Glass Gallery, Climenhaga Building
7:00 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball vs. Mary Washington 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Location: Hitchcock Arena

7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Family Fun Night Movie on the Green: The Parent Trap (1998) 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


  • Location: Center of Campus Green Space (In front of Murray Library)
  • Description: A family-friendly outdoor screening of The Parent Trap starring Lindsay Lohan (1998).
  • Popcorn and concessions available for purchase (supporting Student Activities Board).  Cash and Venmo accepted.
  • Film begins at 8:00 PM.
  • Bring lawn chairs and blankets for a cozy viewing experience!
  • Rain Location: Parmer Cinema
8:00 p.m.

NUNSENSE 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Poorman Black Box Theater

Book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin

Directed by Ed Cohn

COST: $15

The Little Sisters of Hoboken, teachers at Mt. St. Helens Convent, are in a bind after Sister Julia (Child of God) accidentally kills 52 fellow nuns with botulism-laced soup. With funds to bury only 48, the remaining four are stored in the convent freezer. To raise money for proper burials before the health inspector arrives, the sisters decide to put on a variety show. Set in a school auditorium still staged for an eighth-grade production of Grease, the performance features Reverend Mother Regina, once a circus performer; street-smart Sister Robert Anne; ballerina hopeful Sister Mary Leo; the upbeat Sister Mary Hubert; and the forgetful Sister Mary Amnesia. Packed with music, dancing, and laughs, their wild show has become an international sensation.

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Space Reserved for Nursing Mothers

Location: Kline 017

8:00 a.m.

Messiah Mile 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Loop around campus
  • Description: Join us for the Messiah Mile, a one-mile fun run/walk through Messiah’s scenic campus! All ages and abilities are welcome—whether you sprint, stroll, or anything in between, this is your chance to enjoy the beauty of campus at your own pace. The route will start and end in front of the Engle Center
  • Cost: $20.00
  • Includes: T-shirt (indicate size when registering)
  • Rain or shine, unless thunder or lightning
  • Runners should park at Jordan Science Center
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Check-in & Registration

Location: ECC Commons

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Men’s Club Soccer Alumni Pick-up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Practice Fields

9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Aughinbaugh Art Gallery Exhibition 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Location: Aughinbaugh Art Gallery, Climenhaga Building Description: Metanoia*: Stephen Althouse Metanoia def.: a profound, possibly spiritual transformation

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Canoe-a-thon 2.0

  • Location: Yellow Breeches
  • Description: Enjoy a scenic paddle while supporting a great cause!
  • Fee: $50
  • For more information on Canoe-a-thon and to Register, Click Here
  • We can accommodate up to 60 guests, so be sure to register early—spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis
  • More information on the Canoe-a-thon 2.0
  • If you would like to sponsor an event, please contact Abby Book at abook@messiah.edu.
  • If you would like to make an additional gift in support of the Michael P. Barbato Legacy Scholarship Fund, please visit messiah.edu/barbato.
10:00 a.m.

Alumni Women’s Field Hockey Pick-up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Anderson Field

10:00 a.m.

Alumni Women’s Soccer Pick-up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Practice Fields

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Alumni Wrestling Practice 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Wrestling Room

10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Miniature Golf 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Campus Green Space
  • Description: Test your putting skills on a fun and challenging 9-hole deluxe miniature golf course, complete with creative obstacles! Provided by Time of Your Life Game Rentals – a local, family-owned company.
  • Designed for all ages
  • First come, first served unless demand exceeds allotted time
  • by Murray Library  behind the Campus Green Space

Rain Location: Indoor Track 

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cornhole 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Campus Green Space (by Murray Library behind the Campus Green Space) Rain Location: Indoor Track
10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Pickleball 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Tennis Courts by the Yellow Breeches
  • Description: Bring your backhand, we’ll provide the rest! Equipment and courts are available for open play. 
  • Courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be courteous and limit playtime if others are waiting.
  • Weather Permitting
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Oakes Museum Open House 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Oakes Museum
  • Description: Explore the wonders of natural history at the Oakes Museum Open House! In addition to the museum’s engaging exhibits, families can enjoy hands-on crafts and participate in fun scavenger hunts throughout the space. It’s a perfect stop for curious minds of all ages.
  • Children’s Story time will be at 11 a.m
10:30 a.m.

“Earthkeepers” Nature Walk 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Departs From: Oakes Museum

11:00 a.m.

Alumni Softball Pick-up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Softball Field

11:00 a.m.

Powderpuff: Seniors vs. First Years 🙋🏻‍♂️

Location: Upper Baseball Field

11:00 a.m.

Alumni Baseball Pick-up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Baseball Field 9

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Collab Open House 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Frey 070

  • Registration Requested 
11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Cybersecurity Open House 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Frey 145 – Cyber Center
  • Description: Explore the Cyber Center and Security Operations Center (SOC), where students monitor and protect the campus network.
  • Enjoy guided tours and student project showcases
  • Hands-on demos of cybersecurity tools
  • Learn best practices for online safety
  • Learn about Messiah’s CAE designation for excellence in cybersecurity education This is a great opportunity to experience the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.
  • Registration Suggested
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Alumni Swim Meet 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Natatorium

11:00 a.m.

Men’s Alumni Soccer Pick-up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Practice Fields

11:00 a.m.

Symphony Orchestra Concert 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: High Center

11:00 a.m.

Instrument Petting Zoo 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Come explore the world of music at our Instrument Petting Zoo! Try out drums, violins, flutes, and more in this fun, hands-on experience for all ages. Perfect for curious kids and music lovers alike! Location: High Center
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Picnic & Games 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park, Mechanicsburg

  • Registration Required 
12:00 p.m.

Men’s Alumni Volleyball Match 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Hitchcock Arena

12:00 p.m.

Replay: The Parent Trap featuring Lindsay Lohan 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Parmer Cinema Description: Missed it on Friday night? Catch the 1998 family favorite indoors!

  • Note: First come, first served.
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lil Falcon Zone 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Sawyer Gym

Description: Bring your little ones for a fun-filled afternoon designed just for them! Kids can enjoy a variety of games, win exciting prizes, bounce around in the inflatables, get their faces painted, and take home a balloon animal masterpiece. Don’t forget to stop by and meet our beloved mascot, Flex the Falcon. It’s the perfect way for families to make lasting Homecoming memories together.

12:15 p.m.

Powderpuff: Juniors vs. Sophomores 🙋🏻‍♂️

Location: Upper Baseball Field

1:00 p.m.

Women’s Field Hockey vs. TCNJ 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Anderson Field

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Alumni Ultimate Frisbee 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Lower Starry Field

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Page Break at Murray Library 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

  • Location: Murray Library Athenaeum Description: Take a break with a good book at this casual “read-what-you-want” book club. No prep needed—bring your own or pick from our shelf, read silently, and chat with fellow book lovers afterward.
  • All ages welcome.

More info here! 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Computing, Mathematics & Physics Reunion 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Frey 145.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Archives Open House 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Murray: Archives

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Concert Choir Green Room

Location: Choral Rehearsal Room (H132)

1:30 p.m.

Powderpuff: Championship Game 🙋🏻‍♂️

Location: Upper Baseball Field

2:00 p.m.

Alumni Choral Rehearsal 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: High 132, Calvin and Janet High for Worship and Performing Arts

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Celebrating 30 Years of Acclamation 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Celebrate 30 years of dance ministry at Messiah!  Join current dancers and Acclamation alumni as we reminisce on the past 3 decades and thank God for what He will do in the future through this group!

Registration suggested

Location: Grace E. Pollock Dance Studio, Calvin and Janet High for Worship and Performing Arts More info here!
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Reunion Row Reception 🎓👪

Location: Brubaker Description: Special congratulations to the reunion classes of 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2015, and 2025! Celebrate together with a relaxed ice cream social during this drop-in style event.

3:00 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. Widener 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Shoemaker Field

3:00 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse (MLAX) – Alumni Pick-Up 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Lacrosse Turf

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Women’s Alumni Field Hockey Tailgate 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪


Location: Hoober Community Room in Sawyer Pavilion

3:00 p.m.

Concert Choir and Alumni Reunion Concert 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: High Center, Parmer Hall

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Outdoors Club Reunion 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Issachar’s Loft

4:00 p.m.

Replay: The Parent Trap featuring Lindsay Lohan 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Parmer Cinema Description: If you missed Friday’s showing, here’s your chance to catch this family-friendly favorite!

  • First come, first served.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Biological Sciences Reunion 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Jordan 150/152

  • Registration Requested
5:00 p.m.

White-Out March 🙋🏻‍♂️

A spirited Homecoming tradition where students march together—led by bagpipers and drummers—to the men’s soccer game. It’s a high-energy celebration filled with school pride, music, and Falcon spirit!

Location: start at Hostetter Chapel and make your way down to the soccer field!

 
6:00 p.m.

Women’s Soccer vs. Widener

Location: Shoemaker Field

7:30 p.m.

Jazz Ensembles Concert 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Parmer Hall (H190)

8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Alumni Powerhouse 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️ 👪

Location: Hostetter Chapel Description: Experience a powerful, alumni-led worship service through song and testimony.

  • Begins at 7:00 p.m., doors open earlier
  • Please note: Hostetter no longer has pews; standing is likely
  • As it will be dark and loud, this event is not recommended for young children
  • Limited to first 400 participants
More info here! 
8:00 p.m.

NUNSENSE 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Poorman Black Box Theater

Book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin

Directed by Ed Cohn

COST: $15

The Little Sisters of Hoboken, teachers at Mt. St. Helens Convent, are in a bind after Sister Julia (Child of God) accidentally kills 52 fellow nuns with botulism-laced soup. With funds to bury only 48, the remaining four are stored in the convent freezer. To raise money for proper burials before the health inspector arrives, the sisters decide to put on a variety show. Set in a school auditorium still staged for an eighth-grade production of Grease, the performance features Reverend Mother Regina, once a circus performer; street-smart Sister Robert Anne; ballerina hopeful Sister Mary Leo; the upbeat Sister Mary Hubert; and the forgetful Sister Mary Amnesia. Packed with music, dancing, and laughs, their wild show has become an international sensation.

  • Followed by a Theatre and Dance alumni reception
9:00 p.m.

SAB Homecoming Bingo 🎓🙋🏻‍♂️👪

Location: Brubaker Auditorium Description:  Close out the evening with this fun and lively bingo event hosted by Student Activities Board and the Office of Alumni Relations!

Alumni and families welcomed and encouraged to come!

Welcome Home

We are so excited to welcome you back to campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend and look forward to reconnecting and reminiscing with you!
One University Avenue,
Mechanicsburg,
PA 17055

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We are so excited to welcome you back to campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend and look forward to reconnecting and reminiscing with you!

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Register now / reserve your spot!

Click to register

Contact Us / stay in touch!

One University Avenue
Suite 3023
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

homecoming@messiah.edu

717.796.5252

@ 2024 Messiah University